Vikings position-group breakdowns: An offensive line with something to prove
6 years, 7 months ago

Vikings position-group breakdowns: An offensive line with something to prove

New York Times  

The Vikings offensive line is the biggest question for the team heading into the season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins benefited from a pressure rate of only 31.0 percent in the preseason, which would have been one of the lowest pressure rates in the NFL over the course of the 2017 regular season — it’s quite possible that the Vikings have a much better pass protection line than people think. Draft C 6-2 312 27 4th year Undrafted 2013 Pro Football Focus’ 15th-ranked center last year, the Vikings’ trade for Jones came at the cost of a surprisingly cheap seventh-round pick. He allowed the highest rate of pressure of any Vikings offensive lineman in the preseason, and the lowest rate of pressure of any Vikings offensive lineman in one-on-one practice reps. It’s an unusual problem, in part borne of the rapid position switches but also could have something to do with the increase in game speed that comes from live reps. Collins has added weight, but it hasn’t completely translated into additional power. Draft OT 6-7 269 26 1st year Undrafted 2017 Collins had the largest split between practice performance and game performance, but Lang — who went on IR after a leg injury suffered in the preseason game against Jacksonville — isn’t far behind.

Game Hill Weight Johnson Lang Nfl Vikings Line Camp Last Year Training Camp Good Hes Quinn Compton His Record Offensive Preseason His Ability Norton Height Offensive Linemen Prove His Length Gossett Pass Protection Double Teams His Landmarks Reiff Pro Football Focus Elflein Hand Placement Isidora Height Weight Draft Ot Exp Draft  prove  vikings  game  breakdowns  weight  camp  offensive  good  positiongroup  line  exp  draft  preseason  height  hes

History of this topic

Vikings’ defensive success highlights value of organizational continuity
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings’ defensive success highlights value of organizational continuity

New York Times  

One morning last summer, Ryan Grigson, the Minnesota Vikings’ senior vice president of player personnel, appeared in the doorway of Brian Flores’ office. “Then you put the tape on and you go, ‘Hey, maybe we should really do this.’” Former Arlington Renegades DL Jalen Redmond earned a game ball yesterday for his performance with the Minnesota Vikings. Another former GM …

Vikings come up short in loss to Lions, and fixing the small details must be the focus
5 months, 1 week ago

Vikings come up short in loss to Lions, and fixing the small details must be the focus

New York Times  

MINNEAPOLIS — As people streamed onto the field, Josh Metellus sat and stared from a metal bench. While players and coaches from the Vikings’ and Lions’ sidelines met near midfield, Minnesota’s do-everything defender remained hunched, helmetless and pensive. “The standard,” Metellus said afterward in the locker room, “is to be great.” GO DEEPER Goff outduels Vikings, Darnold as Lions win …

Seahawks rookie report: Byron Murphy looks promising. Who else will step up?
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Seahawks rookie report: Byron Murphy looks promising. Who else will step up?

New York Times  

The Seattle Seahawks might have defensive tackle Byron Murphy II back in the lineup in Week 7, and his return after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury would be great news for a team that was counting on the first-round rookie to be the biggest contributor from its eight-man draft class. This rundown will not include any …

Vikings Embrace Aaron Jones, Shake Up Offense and Gain Momentum
6 months ago

Vikings Embrace Aaron Jones, Shake Up Offense and Gain Momentum

Associated Press  

The Minnesota Vikings are enjoying a strong start to the season, thanks in part to the arrival of Aaron Jones. Jones had a 17-yard gain on his first touchback and scored two touchdowns on 22 carries and four receptions. The Vikings have established a more balanced offense, with a better balance between rushing and passing. They are also playing better …

Vikings 53-man roster projection before cutdown day: Who earned the final spots?
7 months, 1 week ago

Vikings 53-man roster projection before cutdown day: Who earned the final spots?

New York Times  

The Minnesota Vikings capped the preseason Saturday with a 26-3 win in Philadelphia over the Eagles. Hockenson has continued his sprinting on side fields, but the Vikings could act safely by placing him on IR as one of the two spots that do not count against the 53-man roster. Buy Edge The Vikings can place two players on IR and …

Vikings QB McCarthy held out of practice with soreness in right knee after promising preseason debut
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings QB McCarthy held out of practice with soreness in right knee after promising preseason debut

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reported soreness in his right knee and was held out of practice on Monday night to undergo further examination. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the team didn’t have reason to believe McCarthy was experiencing any problem beyond routine soreness, but O’Connell said he wasn’t sure yet whether McCarthy would travel this week …

Vikings stock report: Who’s up, down, holding steady ahead of preseason opener?
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings stock report: Who’s up, down, holding steady ahead of preseason opener?

New York Times  

Yes, I know it sounds crazy. Here’s the pre-preseason game stock watch: GO DEEPER Minnesota Vikings training camp: What we’ve learned from Week 1 Stock up Jalen Nailor, WR Don’t take it from me, take it from superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Theo Jackson, S “Theo’s getting lucky,” Vikings passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones joked Saturday. …

Vikings stick to process with McCarthy, as Darnold’s presence keeps pressure off rookie QB
8 months ago

Vikings stick to process with McCarthy, as Darnold’s presence keeps pressure off rookie QB

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The expectations and scrutiny that hound NFL quarterbacks drafted at the top of the first round is mere background noise for J.J. McCarthy in his first training camp with the Minnesota Vikings. “But also, it’s about the quality and the volume of those reps throughout camp to really continue to holistically attack this quarterback development program and …

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty
11 months ago

Vikings post-NFL Draft depth chart: Sam Darnold at QB, defensive improvements aplenty

New York Times  

The NFL Draft is over, and the Minnesota Vikings’ summer schedule is heating up. Here is our full breakdown: Quarterbacks Starter: Sam Darnold On the roster: J.J. McCarthy, Nick Mullens Out: Jaren Hall The Vikings do not want to rush McCarthy’s development. Wide receivers Starters: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison On the roster: Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, Jalen Nailor Out: Trishton …

Vikings UDFA signings: 17 thoughts on the 17 post-NFL Draft additions
11 months ago

Vikings UDFA signings: 17 thoughts on the 17 post-NFL Draft additions

New York Times  

You know you’re a real fan if you follow an NFL team’s undrafted free-agent signings. Multiple scouts offered their thoughts on the Vikings’ additions, beginning with arguably the most sought-after undrafted option: Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA The production is undeniable. GO DEEPER Vikings 2024 NFL Draft takeaways: Best value pick, biggest surprise and what's next Dwight McGlothern Jr., CB, Arkansas …

Ex-Packer Aaron Jones gets a fresh start as the Vikings enter their post-Kirk Cousins era
1 year ago

Ex-Packer Aaron Jones gets a fresh start as the Vikings enter their post-Kirk Cousins era

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Aaron Jones sauntered into the room, wearing a wide smile, designer sunglasses and a purple hat. In case this fresh look for his introductory news conference at the Minnesota Vikings’ headquarters wasn’t unfamiliar enough, the former Green Bay running back — as he got up to leave when it was over — clapped his hands above his …

Vikings enter offseason as Kirk Cousins’ potential return at QB weighs on other pressing needs
1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings enter offseason as Kirk Cousins’ potential return at QB weighs on other pressing needs

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings have entered another pivotal offseason, revolving around the club’s still-uncertain plans at quarterback. Cousins, who had enough qualifying attempts to finish third in the NFL in passer rating despite playing in only eight games, didn’t directly answer a question on Monday about whether he would sign with the Vikings for less …

How the rest of the NFL missed on undrafted Vikings rookie LB Ivan Pace Jr.
1 year, 3 months ago

How the rest of the NFL missed on undrafted Vikings rookie LB Ivan Pace Jr.

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Vikings vs. Bengals. @ivan_pacejr has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.https://t.co/D32tDGAi1W pic.twitter.com/1NkWFkMl43 — Minnesota Vikings December 13, 2023 “It’s sort of unprecedented,” said Mike Tressel, Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator. “But I also knew his talent was such that the fact he wasn’t drafted was ridiculous.” Tressel, the nephew of former Ohio State coach …

How good can the Vikings offense be given the current state of the offensive line?
1 year, 6 months ago

How good can the Vikings offense be given the current state of the offensive line?

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Monday Night Football featuring the 49ers vs Vikings. One consistent factor in the games between Bowles and O’Connell is the presence of enormous Bucs nose tackle Vita Vea, who caused fits for the Vikings front. On the Vikings’ first offensive play of the third quarter, Vea moved Vikings left guard Ezra Cleveland directly backward. …

Vikings 53-man roster projection: Who’s in and who’s out ahead of NFL cutdown day?
1 year, 7 months ago

Vikings 53-man roster projection: Who’s in and who’s out ahead of NFL cutdown day?

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of NFL roster cuts and projections ahead of cutdown day MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin O’Connell calls the next 72 hours the toughest part of his job. “We’ve got a very competitive roster and feel really good about our depth,” O’Connell said Saturday after the team’s final preseason game, an 18-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Tight …

Vikings stock report: Ty Chandler rising, Andrew Booth Jr. and Kene Nwangwu falling
1 year, 7 months ago

Vikings stock report: Ty Chandler rising, Andrew Booth Jr. and Kene Nwangwu falling

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Eagles vs. Vikings on Thursday Night Football. After watching the all-22 film from Thursday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks and ahead of this week’s action, I thought it would be worthwhile to offer up the first stock watch of camp. – Kevin O'Connell pic.twitter.com/IMbgJmkxmg — Minnesota Vikings August 12, 2023 Brandon Powell, WR In …

Vikings 53-man roster projection: How it’s shaping up ahead of first preseason game
1 year, 7 months ago

Vikings 53-man roster projection: How it’s shaping up ahead of first preseason game

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Vikings vs. Eagles on Thursday Night Football. https://t.co/cg0XP25nbC — Minnesota Vikings August 7, 2023 Quarterback In: Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall The biggest question with the quarterbacks is how facing Brian Flores’ defense on a daily basis will prepare them for the season. Offensive line In: Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, Ed …

Vikings defense dictating tempo — plus everything else we’ve seen at training camp
1 year, 8 months ago

Vikings defense dictating tempo — plus everything else we’ve seen at training camp

New York Times  

EAGAN, Minn. — Each day of Minnesota Vikings training camp begins the same way. “They always say, ‘The offense dictates.’ We dictate the tempo here.” The statement feels like a perfect line for posters inside the defensive meeting rooms. Offensive line a focal point for Kevin O’Connell Free-agent offensive lineman Dalton Risner met with the Vikings brass Tuesday. Still, considering …

Vikings WR Jalen Nailor takes step forward, Josh Metellus impresses and more from OTAs
1 year, 10 months ago

Vikings WR Jalen Nailor takes step forward, Josh Metellus impresses and more from OTAs

New York Times  

EAGAN, Minn. — Kevin O’Connell likes joint practices. Cam Bynum expects to play multiple positions Only one Vikings safety played every defensive snap last season, and it wasn’t Harrison Smith. “It’s really a matter of learning every position on the field,” Bynum said Tuesday. “Being a rookie,” he said Tuesday, “there were some growing pains.” Pro Football Focus gave Ingram’s …

Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman on IR
2 years, 2 months ago

Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman on IR

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings placed right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman on injured reserve on Tuesday, all but ending the season for two starters on the precipice of the playoffs. The Vikings signed eight-year veteran center Greg Mancz to give them another option at a vital position after O’Neill suffered a significant calf injury and Schlottman …

Vikings offense with O’Connell still a work in progress
2 years, 6 months ago

Vikings offense with O’Connell still a work in progress

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — After opening with a decisive win against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings have been tested the past two weeks. “We’re just continuing to evolve and we are still just three games into, officially, our guys running this system and this offense, so there’s going to be some times where we’ve got to try to have that …

Vikings TE Smith likely done for season after knee surgery
3 years, 7 months ago

Vikings TE Smith likely done for season after knee surgery

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are bracing for the season-long absence of on-the-rise tight end Irv Smith Jr., after knee surgery Wednesday for a torn meniscus. I would expect whenever he’s back the same great player that he was.” The Vikings acquired tight end Chris Herndon in a trade Tuesday with the New York Jets to help reinforce the …

Vikings draft grades: What they got right, what they didn’t in their 15 picks
4 years, 11 months ago

Vikings draft grades: What they got right, what they didn’t in their 15 picks

New York Times  

It was a busy NFL Draft for the Vikings, as they made a record 15 picks over the course of the seven rounds. First round Picks: WR Justin Jefferson, CB Jeff Gladney Chad’s grade: A Barring a major fall for one of the top prospects, it’s hard to imagine the draft board shaping up much better for the Vikings in …

How the Vikings made Ezra Cleveland the pick to bolster their offensive line
4 years, 11 months ago

How the Vikings made Ezra Cleveland the pick to bolster their offensive line

New York Times  

The Vikings’ brass woke up Friday pleased with the way things had gone on the first day of the draft, but also aware they still had a major hole to fill. Even if Cleveland wasn’t falling in the second round, it would’ve been difficult to make the trade given where the Vikings’ cap stood and what the team thought Williams …

Vikings top Seahawks 25-19 behind crisp preseason passing
5 years, 7 months ago

Vikings top Seahawks 25-19 behind crisp preseason passing

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — The pressure is on Minnesota’s offense to improve, and a more productive passing attack will depend partially on a diversified group of targets for Kirk Cousins. Rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. and backup wide receiver Brandon Zylstra each had touchdown receptions, and the Vikings used a versatile offense to beat the Seahawks 25-19 in a preseason matchup. …

As Cook rests, Vikings get long look at backup running backs
5 years, 7 months ago

As Cook rests, Vikings get long look at backup running backs

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — Mike Zimmer knows the potential and importance of running back Dalvin Cook to the Minnesota Vikings, so the coach is taking the cautious approach to Cook’s workload during the preseason. The advantage is two-fold: Cook stays fresh and injury-free, while the Vikings get a long look at a quartet of players who are trying to seize a …

Vikings Training Camp Guide: Danielle Hunter and the defensive ends
5 years, 8 months ago

Vikings Training Camp Guide: Danielle Hunter and the defensive ends

New York Times  

For what seems to be the first time in a long while, the Vikings have some questions at defensive end. Training Camp Guide: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive line | Defensive tackles | Defensive ends | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties Everson Griffen It wasn’t too long ago that Griffen was generating at …

Vikings Training Camp Guide: Garrett Bradbury and the offensive line
5 years, 8 months ago

Vikings Training Camp Guide: Garrett Bradbury and the offensive line

New York Times  

The Vikings have perpetually had problems along the offensive line, it seems, but they claim 2019 will be different. Weaknesses: Biggest technical flaw eliminates the advantages of his technical strengths — punch timing can force him to miss his assignment and he’ll often lose the battle for first contact. Pat Elflein Garrett Bradbury This year’s first-round savior, Bradbury has a …

Vikings Training Camp Guide: Kirk Cousins and the quarterbacks
5 years, 8 months ago

Vikings Training Camp Guide: Kirk Cousins and the quarterbacks

New York Times  

Since 2004, the Vikings have had 11 different quarterbacks take the majority of passing snaps — seven in the past eight years. Training Camp Guide: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive line | Defensive tackles | Defensive ends | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties Kirk Cousins The first year of the Cousins experiment is …

Vikings go back to drawing board after latest disappointment
6 years, 3 months ago

Vikings go back to drawing board after latest disappointment

Associated Press  

EAGAN, Minn. — After finishing one game short of the Super Bowl last season and spending big to make Kirk Cousins their franchise player, the Minnesota Vikings were surrounded by high expectations from the start. I think, if anything, it will sharpen us and give us an edge as we prepare for next year, and I think that’s a good …

Biggest questions left for the Vikings' 53-man roster after the preseason finale
6 years, 7 months ago

Biggest questions left for the Vikings' 53-man roster after the preseason finale

New York Times  

NASHVILLE — An east-facing patio that overlooks four well-manicured fields of Kentucky bluegrass at the Vikings’ new practice facility became the unofficial gathering spot for the team’s brass this preseason, a place to meet and go over the depth chart and decompress from two-a-days. So we try to get on the same page and figure it out.” With Thursday night’s …

Vikings position-group breakdowns: Building a title-worthy defensive line
6 years, 7 months ago

Vikings position-group breakdowns: Building a title-worthy defensive line

New York Times  

In January’s NFC championship game, the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles abused the Minnesota Vikings in part through their extraordinary defensive line depth and rotation — Case Keenum had a passer rating of 116.5 when kept clean in that game. Richardson has been winning a lot of one-on-one reps and creating big problems in the Vikings’ offensive run game …

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